The Lawrenceville School

In 1810, when the School was founded by Rev. Isaac Van Arsdale Brown H’55, he designated it “The Academy of Maidenhead,” since it was located in Maidenhead, New Jersey. By 1814 the student body had increased sufficiently in size to warrant the construction of a dormitory. This would eventually come to be known as Hamill House. In 1816, the village of Maidenhead was renamed Lawrenceville in honor of Captain James Lawrence, a hero of the War of 1812, yet the name Maidenhead Academy remained in effect until 1828 when the School’s name was changed to Lawrenceville High School. In 1837 Head Master Hamill again changed the School’s name to The Lawrenceville Classical and Commercial High School, reflecting the growing industrialization of the mid-Atlantic region. Finally, with the refounding of the School in 1883, The Lawrenceville School got its name.

The Lawrenceville School is a community rich in traditions, shared across continents and generations. These traditions bring us together, establish common bonds, and create long-lasting connections and memories. Whether wearing House colors and carrying its flag during in House Olympics, taking part in the Hill Bonfire, which kicks off a weekend of athletic competition, with performances by our talented dance and music groups, or being ushered into the Alumni Association by receiving a rosette pin, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, strength, and citizenship, each student is part of time-honored traditions that are uniquely Lawrenceville.

Ever since James Cameron Mackenzie championed the House system in the 1890s and Edward Harkness and Allan Heely implemented discussion-based, Harkness teaching in the 1930s, a Lawrenceville education has been marked by close faculty-student interactions and deep intellectual engagement. Lawrenceville faculty members are expert in their disciplines and translate that expertise into rich learning experiences for their students. They work closely with students to help them discover and develop their intellectual passions and think critically and creatively about the world around them and about the challenges and opportunities before them.

Academic advisors—faculty members associated with or living in the Houses—help students choose their course load. These consultations focus on the overall degree of difficulty of the schedule, concerns about adjusting to the rigors of the School’s curriculum, and commitments to athletic or extracurricular activities. In addition to traditional academic courses, Lawrenceville students are required to meet other important educational obligations in community service, the humanities, and a personal development seminar.

The Lawrenceville School offers a wealth of opportunities for students to study and practice the arts because it is an essential element in broadening a person’s approach to problem solving, to aesthetic enjoyment, to other people, to life itself.

Students are encouraged to explore their talents on the stage, in the performance hall, and through exhibitions. Visiting artists, lecturers, and performers are regularly brought to campus.

Reach Out to the Arts provides students with varied opportunities to sample a dazzling slice of cultural life in New York City and Philadelphia. The School's easy access to these major metropolitan areas enables students to savor the cultural events continuously arrayed in these cities. Trips to museums, the symphony, the ballet, jazz concerts, opera, art galleries, and a host of theatrical productions abound. The ultimate goal of the program is to broaden students' views of the world around them.

The Lawrenceville School’s comprehensive athletics program is integral to a Lawrenceville education. Featuring more than 70 teams across 21 interscholastic sports, as well as intramurals and recreational options, the program is a true extension of the House and Harkness learning experience. We’re both courageous competitors and supportive teammates, and we strive for excellence and fairness on every playing field of life.

What's it like being a student at Lawrenceville? It means a schedule packed full of classes, study hours, athletic practice, rehearsals, friends, special events, eating, and sleeping. Students learn to manage their time, meet their commitments, and enjoy their friendships. 

Classes begin at 8 a.m. and meet four times a week for 55 minutes. Science classes and advanced classes in all disciplines are also able to make use of an additional 55-minute period each week for labs, extended discussions, test practice, writing workshops, etc. There are also three 40-minute periods each week for student-teacher consultations, during which no classes or labs are scheduled.

The entire School eats lunch at the same time. This tradition is yet another example of how the House System defines the Lawrenceville experience.

Once a week the entire school also gathers for a community meeting. This gathering features readings, reflections, and announcements from various students and faculty members. School meeting agendas include outside speakers, musical presentations, and opportunities to examine student issues.

Classes end at 3:05 p.m., and then students head down to the field house and playing fields for team practice, if they are on a sports team, or perform community service. Either way, it’s a refreshing change from academics. On Wednesdays classes end at 12:20 p.m., and students have the choice of studying, rehearsing performances, practicing sports, working on publications, or fulfilling their community service requirement. Saturday classes end at 11:30 a.m.

Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All Forms eat in the Irwin Dining Center, except for the Fifth Form, which takes meals in the Abbott Dining Hall, located in Upper House. After dinner, there are a variety of things to do: clubs, activities, homework, and socializing, before evening check-in. On weekends, at least one residential house sponsors an all School social event. These activities range from dances, to theme parties, to festivals.